Ramsay v. Ramsay

Citations

• 125 Miss. 715
• 88 So. 280

Syllabus

<p>1. Contempt. 'Witnesses. Rights of defendant in contempt proceedings stated.</p> <p>In a proceeding for contempt prosecuted for the purpose of punishing an alleged contemner for disobeying an order or decree of the court, he is entitled to be informed by the petition, motion, or information by which the proceeding was begun of the nature and cause of the accusation, cannot be compelled to testify against himself, and should be presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.</p> <p>2. Contempt. Punitive sentence for disobedience improper in proceedings to compel obedience.</p> <p>A punitive sentence appropriate only in a proceeding to punish for disobedience of an order or decree of the court cannot be imposed in a proceeding prosecuted to compel obedience to an order or decree made to enforce the rights of a party to tbe suit.</p> <p>3. Contempt. Punitive sentence may be imposed only after opportunity to defend.</p> <p>A punitive sentence in a proceeding for contempt can be imposed only after the contemner has been given an opportunity to appear and defend his alleged disobedience of an order or decree of the court.</p>